I have just been informed that there has only been 24 hours of sunshine in Reykjavik in the whole of July, which I think succinctly sums up how it is going. After the brief spell of warmer temperatures last week, the gentle rain and overcast skies have continued and the temperatures have remained low, mostly between 6 – 7 °C and there has even be some snow in the north. The rivers are all at a very good height for this stage of July which bodes very well for those going towards the end of July and the beginning of August. There is supposed to be a temperature rise on the 25/ 26 July to 15°C, but for those headed out this week makes sure you have plenty of thermals and waterproofs.
Laxa I Kjos had a fantastic week and our group fishing there finished up on 97 over their four days. The river last week landed 100 salmon taking their total to 314 fish. The total number of sea trout being landed has gone from 15 to 25 as the meadows begins to come into play. The water levels are excellent, but the Air temperatures have dropped to 7°C and water temperature is hovering at 8°C which has put the brakes on a bit. I am very excited to be arriving on the 26 with my group as I am hoping with the uptick in temperatures, we might hit it spot on. Top flies have been Black Frances, Red Frances, Valbeinn, Haugur & Collie Dog. There are still a couple of rods towards the end of August for those keen to get amongst the big sea trout in the meadows.
The Nordurá is on fire and after the water lift, another massive run entered the river system. The water cleared and the stars aligned. The river landed a massive 231 fish taking their total to 857putting them on track for a really good season. Water levels are now just being maintained by the rain, although like Laxa I Kjos air temperatures have remained low under 10°C . They are predicting the fishing to remain at this level for the next week. The best patterns remain Sunray shadow, Silver sheep, Haugur and the Collie Dog. We still have rods in 24 – 27 July for anyone looking to participate in Nordura’s fantastic season.
The Midfjardara had another fantastic week and have landed between 20 – 30 fish a day with an average weight of 8lb. they had a read letter day on the 20th July and landed 49 fish! The river landed an amazing 221 fish for the week taking their total to 643 fish. The river still has some pretty big water which is leading to some very exciting battles. Conditions have been quite cold, but it does not seem to have had much impact on the fishing. We are expecting some excellent fishing for our clients going in to Midfjardara shortly. Best flies so far have continued to be Sunray Shadow, Hitch tubes, Skuggi Skaskorinn and Collie Dog. We still have rods available in 5 – 8 and 11 – 14 August for those that want to get in on the action.
The Stora Laxa has continued to fish consistently and our rods there had a lovely time.. The river landed 49 fish over the course of the week taking the total to 259. Quality of fish still remains the name of the game with a mix a large grilse 6-8lb and medium salmon 8-12lb making up most of the catches. Our rods also specifically remarked on the quality of the new lodge now which is extremely comfortable and functional. Whilst firm favourites Valbeinn, Sunray Shadow and the Red Francis remain the best flies we are beginning to see more fish taking hitch tubes and smaller doubles too. With good water conditions, there is still some fantastic availability remaining this season so do get in touch. (We still have some excellent space and discounts on Stora Laxa, click HERE and to view Alex’s trip report click HERE)
The Hitara has had a solid week as the high water conditions from last week dropped out and landed 26 fish with an average weight of 7 lb to the six rods taking their total to 113. Again the grilse have shown up in good numbers. Largest fish remains a 92cm fish weighing 18 ½ lbs from Langidrattur on a Sunray. If we get the raise in temperatures we are expecting towards the end of next week then they should be on for an excellent time. Top flies this week have been Sunray Shadow, Red Frances, Collie dog and the Skuggi.
The Langa had a phenomenal week much like Nordurá landing 219 salmon averaging 6 lb taking their total to 442 fish. Largest fish was a 92cm fish weighing 18lb caught in Langidrattur on a Sunray shadow. As we would expect a large proportion of this are grilse, but nevertheless action has been fast and furious. Top flies this week have been Red Frances, Sunray Shadow, Green Butt, and Micro hitch.
The West Rangá, like much of Iceland, has had a strong start to their season with the last few days really picking up. They are now landing between 50-70 salmon per day and the season is looking really promising. The salmon are now well spread out across all beats and best tactics remain fishing double handed rods with a short sink tip line and sunray shadow / collie dog tubes. There are still a handful of rods available in late August so do get in touch.
Tributaries of the Laxa I Adaldal in the north of Iceland, Myrarkvisl and Reykjadalsá, have enjoyed a great start to their salmon seasons with better than expected catches. Both are notable trout rivers but they also have runs of the famous larger salmon that the Adaldal is known for. In the smaller rivers, anglers have had success on single handed rods and small hitch tubes. The largest fish in recent days was 88cm and a touch over 15lb. The prime season is about to begin through the latter part of July and August. There are still some openings on the Reykjadalsá this season, contact us for more details.
We still have some last minute availability in Iceland if you dont want to miss out, click HERE or please do not hesitate to contact Peter McLeod or Alex Jardine or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.